Andy Barr introduces amendment to end birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants
- Rep. Andy Barr proposes a constitutional amendment to end birthright citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants.
- The amendment aims to clarify who is considered 'subject to the jurisdiction' of the U.S. for the purposes of citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
- If passed, this amendment would mark a significant policy shift in the context of ongoing immigration debates in the U.S.
In the United States, Rep. Andy Barr, a Republican from Kentucky, announced his plan to introduce a constitutional amendment aimed at clarifying the issue of birthright citizenship. This proposal comes amid ongoing legal disputes between President Donald Trump and multiple Democratic-run states regarding the constitutional rights of children born to illegal immigrants. The essence of Barr's amendment is to explicitly state that children born to parents who are illegal immigrants do not automatically receive citizenship. The 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868, originally granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and under its jurisdiction, but varying interpretations of this clause have led to confusion and controversy over the years. Barr’s proposed amendment specifically articulates that only those born to parents who are either U.S. nationals or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence can claim citizenship. This differentiation aims to prevent what some perceive as abuse of the system, where foreign nationals would travel to the U.S. to give birth, thereby securing citizenship for their children and potentially facilitating immigration for the parents. Barr indicated that this clarification is necessary amidst a broader push to support Trump's agenda of immigration reform. As of late June 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a ruling that significantly impacted Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, allowing lower courts to issue injunctions in limited scenarios but avoiding a direct ruling on the constitutionality of his orders. In this context, Barr emphasized urgency, stating that the legal interpretation of birthright citizenship continues to cause uncertainty and must be addressed without delay. The proposed amendment will need to be passed through a supermajority in both Congress and state legislatures before it can take effect. The backdrop to this legislative move also reflects the larger national debate on immigration and the rights of individuals born in the U.S. to parents lacking legal status. It highlights the contentious political landscape surrounding immigration reform in America, where opinions diverge significantly on how best to define citizenship and address issues related to illegal immigration. Barr voiced his support for Trump’s efforts, positioning his amendment as a necessary step to solidify the administration's policies aimed at protecting U.S. interests.